Foam Mattress, Foam Topper and Method of Using the Same

ABSTRACT

It is disclosed a foam mattress or topper to control a whole body alignment, comprising: a first foam section defining an upper surface, a lower surface, a longitudinal direction allowing for longitudinally receiving a user&#39;s body, and a plurality of mattress areas comprising: an upper body receiving area for supporting user&#39;s upper body and shoulders; a lower body receiving area for supporting user&#39;s lower body; and a middle body receiving area for supporting a user&#39;s hip; and a first lateral channel within the upper body receiving area and extending in a lateral direction normal to the longitudinal direction of the mattress, the first lateral channel thereby allowing the upper body receiving area above the first lateral channel to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and alignment for the shoulder of the user&#39;s body. These mattresses and toppers have an ultra-low pressure capable of preventing sleep disturbance caused by pressure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application no. PCT/CA2015/050713 filed on Jul. 28, 2017 which claims priority of US provisional patent application no. 61/999,903, filed on Aug. 11, 2014, the specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

(a) Field

The subject matter disclosed generally relates to foam mattresses, to foam toppers, and to methods of using the same. More particularly, the subject matter disclosed relates to foam mattresses, and to foam toppers that are configured to improve sleep quality of a user, and to methods of using the same.

(b) Related Prior Art

It is well known that the quality of sleep has a significant effect on the quality of life. Multiple clinical studies have correlated poor sleep quality with, without limitation, hypertension, obesity, stroke, diabetes and the like. It is also well known that mattresses and toppers (i.e., mattress toppers) can significantly affect sleep quality. Poorly designed mattresses or toppers are a significant cause of sleep disturbance and sleep quality degradation.

Mattress-induced discomfort caused by excessive pressures on certain parts of the body and spinal misalignment result in increased tossing and turning which is the proximate cause of discomfort, sleep disruption and poor sleep quality.

Spinal Misalignment

Conventional mattresses/toppers are undifferentiated in their configuration/construction, having the same density and displacement characteristics over their entire surface. Since the human body is contoured and flexible, it is forced by gravity to conform to the flat mattress surface. The spine is therefore consequently forced out of alignment which produces spinal shear and bending, which puts significant strain on the ligaments and muscles of the lower back. This connective tissues and muscle strain results in low back pain and disrupts sleep.

Pressure

Because conventional mattresses are constructed of flat layers with undifferentiated displacement characteristics, they are incapable of equalizing the varying contour pressures of the body. This creates higher pressures on the body's prominences, especially when side lying. Over 50% of the U.S. population are primary side sleepers. Back sleepers present about 900 square inches to the mattress whereas side sleepers present about 500 square inches. This higher side-sleeping psi (pound per square inch) is then magnified at the body's prominences on conventional mattresses causing additional sleep disruption.

There is therefore currently in the market a need to improve sleep quality by minimizing the mattress-induced factors which degrade sleep quality.

Indeed, an ideal mattress must have a resiliency over the length of the body on the mattress to support the body in spinal alignment and also provide ultra-low body pressures over all parts of the body in contact with the mattress. Ultra-low body pressure can be defined as near or below 0.6 psi (or 32 mmHg). Pressure above this threshold will cause numerous involuntary movements during sleep to relieve that pressure and prevent skin damage. If unrelieved, excessive pressures would eventually result in a bedsore.

Even though normally unaware of it, this excessive pressure causes most people to turn in bed about 30 times per night. This tossing and turning seriously disrupts sleep continuity and causes next-day fatigue and compromised quality of life.

All conventional mattresses, including memory foam, air and latex mattresses, regardless of their price, are incapable of achieving these ultra-low pressures on all body prominences.

It is relatively common for existing consumer mattresses to achieve back lying body pressures on most, but not all, parts of the body, of 0.6 psi. Again and as mentioned above, this is because the area of the body load is about 900 square inches, enough area to maintain low pressures. However, a side lying body only provides about 500 square inches of contact area which, under the same load, significantly increases the area loading. Achieving 0.6 psi on all body areas, especially the shoulder and hip areas, when side lying on conventional mattresses is not possible.

Furthermore, since a recumbent body has both varying density and varying contour in the longitudinal direction, the ideal foam mattress/topper must conform to these variations. In order to achieve spinal alignment, the supporting forces in the mattress, under load from the recumbent body, must vary along the body to correctly match the varying body density and shape.

There is therefore a need for improved foam mattresses and for improved foam toppers that are configured to improve sleep quality of a user, and for methods of using the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment, there is provided a foam mattress to control a whole body alignment, the foam mattress comprising:

-   -   a first foam section defining an upper surface, a lower surface,         a longitudinal direction allowing for longitudinally receiving a         user's body, and a plurality of mattress areas comprising:         -   an upper body receiving area for supporting user's upper             body and shoulders;         -   a lower body receiving area for supporting user's lower             body; and         -   a middle body receiving area for supporting a user's hip;             and     -   a first lateral channel within the upper body receiving area and         extending in a lateral direction normal to the longitudinal         direction of the mattress, the first lateral channel thereby         allowing the upper body receiving area above the first lateral         channel to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and         alignment for the shoulder of the user's body.

According to another embodiment, the foam mattress further comprises a second lateral channel within the middle body receiving area between the upper surface and the lower surface of the first foam section, and extending in the lateral direction normal to the longitudinal direction of the mattress, the second lateral channel thereby allowing the middle body receiving area above the second lateral channel to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and alignment for the hip of the user's body.

According to another embodiment, the foam mattress further comprises a third lateral channel within the lower body receiving area defined in the first foam section and located between the upper surface and the lower surface of the first foam section, and extending in the lateral direction normal to the longitudinal direction of the mattress, the third lateral channel thereby allowing the lower body receiving area above the third lateral channel to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and alignment for the user's lower body.

According to another embodiment, the first foam section is symmetrical from the upper body receiving area to the lower body receiving area.

According to another embodiment, the foam mattress further comprises a pair of intermediate lateral grooves extending downward from the upper surface of the foam section within the upper body receiving area, one intermediate lateral grooves being before and adjacent to the first lateral channel and the other one being after and adjacent the first lateral channel, the intermediate lateral grooves interacting with the first lateral channel so as to assist pressure reduction and alignment for the shoulder of the user's body.

According to another embodiment, the foam mattress further comprises a pair of intermediate lateral grooves extending downward from the upper surface of the foam section within the lower body receiving area, one intermediate lateral grooves being before and adjacent to the third lateral channel and the other one being after and adjacent the third lateral channel, intermediate lateral grooves interacting with the third lateral channel so as to assist pressure reduction and alignment for the user's lower body.

According to another embodiment, the foam mattress further comprises a second foam section for supporting the first foam section, the second foam section defining an upper surface for interfacing with the lower surface of the first foam section.

According to another embodiment, the foam mattress further comprises the upper body receiving area comprises a plurality of first lateral channels parallel one to the other and wherein the lower body receiving area lateral channel comprises a plurality of adjacent lower body receiving area lateral channels.

According to another embodiment, the foam mattress further comprises two lateral grooves extending from the upper surface of the first foam section, wherein one lateral groove delimits the upper and middle body receiving areas, whereas the second lateral groove delimits the middle and lower body receiving areas, each lateral groove being defined by a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge at an angle from the first lateral edge.

According to another embodiment, the second lateral edge is at an angle of about 45 degrees from the first lateral edge.

According to another embodiment, each one of the first lateral channel and the second lateral channels defines a substantially hemi-elliptical cross-section area.

According to another embodiment, the substantially hemi-elliptical may have a cross-section area of between about 0.0381 m and about 0.051 m deep; and a radius of about 0.140 m.

According to another embodiment, each one of the first lateral channel and the lower body receiving area lateral channels defines a substantially hemi-circular cross-section area.

According to another embodiment, the second lateral channel defines a substantially hemi-elliptical cross-section area.

According to another embodiment, the substantially hemi-elliptical cross-section area may be between about 0.0381 m to about 0.051 m deep, and may comprise a radius of about 0.051 m.

According to another embodiment, the substantially hemi-elliptical cross-section area may comprise a radius of about 0.051 m.

According to another embodiment, the second lateral channel defines a substantially hemi-circular cross-section area.

According to another embodiment, the first foam section has a thickness of about 0.051 m to about 0.381 m.

According to another embodiment, the foam mattress further comprises a plurality of adjacent intermediate lateral grooves extending from the upper surface of the first foam section between the two lateral grooves.

According to another embodiment, the middle body receiving area for supporting the hip comprises a trochanter receiving area for supporting a trochanter, the first lateral channel being within the trochanter receiving area between the upper surface and the lower surface of the first foam section.

The following term is defined below.

The term “mattress” is intended to mean a pad for supporting and/or interfacing the reclining body, used as or on a bed. The mattress is intended here to be placed atop of a bed base or atop of a substrate. According to the description and the claims, the term “mattress” is intended to include the term “topper” (i.e., small mattress), which may be used instead of or in addition to a comfort layer of the mattress, which reduces wear and is replaceable without replacing the entire mattress.

Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be realized, the subject matter disclosed and claimed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive and the full scope of the subject matter is set forth in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a side elevation exploded view of the foam mattress of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a side elevation exploded view of the foam mattress of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a side elevation view of the foam mattress of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a side elevation view of the foam mattress of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a side elevation view of the foam mattress of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a side elevation view of the foam mattress of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a side elevation view of the foam mattress of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 8B is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 9A is a is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 9B is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 10B is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 11B is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 12A illustrates a foam deflection of a foam mattress of the PRIOR ART, under a load;

FIG. 12B illustrates a foam deflection of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment, under a load;

FIG. 13A illustrates a foam deflection of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment, under a load;

FIG. 13B illustrates a foam deflection of the foam mattress of FIG. 13A under a side lying body load;

FIG. 14A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 14B illustrates the foam mattress of FIG. 14A and a corresponding user body;

FIG. 14C illustrates a foam deflection of the foam mattress of FIGS. 14A and 14B under the side lying body load;

FIG. 15A is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 15B illustrates the foam mattress of FIG. 15A and a corresponding user body;

FIG. 15C illustrates a foam deflection of the foam mattress of FIGS. 15A and 15B under the side lying body load;

FIG. 16A illustrates a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment, under a side lying body load;

FIG. 16B illustrates the foam mattress of FIG. 16A, under a back lying body load;

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a foam mattress in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 18A is a top perspective view of a foam topper in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 18B is a side elevation view of the foam topper of FIG. 18A;

FIG. 19 compares pressures applied on a 210 pounds man side lying on conventional mattresses with the 210 pounds man side lying on the mattress of the present invention;

FIG. 20 compares side lying pressure maps of a mattress of the PRIOR ART and the mattress of the present invention;

FIG. 21A is a top perspective view of a foam topper in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 21B is a side elevation view of two adjacent mirror foam toppers shown in FIG. 21A;

FIG. 21C is a side elevation view of the foam topper of FIG. 21A;

FIG. 22A is a top perspective view of a foam topper in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 22B is a side elevation view of the foam topper of FIG. 22A;

FIG. 23A is a top perspective view of a foam topper in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 23B is a side elevation view of the foam topper of FIG. 23A; and

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of a foam topper in accordance with another embodiment.

It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In embodiments, there are disclosed foam mattresses, foam toppers and methods of using the same in a way to control the whole body alignment (i.e., spinal alignment) while providing ultra-low body interface pressures for each body area.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, there is shown a foam mattress 10 in accordance with an embodiment. The foam mattress 10 includes a first foam section 12 and a second foam section 14 for supporting the first foam section 12. The first foam section 12, together with the second foam section 14, defines a plurality of mattress areas. Still referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, the mattress 10 defines an upper body receiving area 16, a middle body receiving area 18 and a lower body receiving area 20. The first foam section 12 defines an upper surface 22 and a lower surface 24. The second foam section 14 also defines an upper surface 26 and a lower surface 28. The lower surface 24 of the first foam section 12 interfaces (for example is laminated) with the upper surface 26 of the second foam section 14. The first and second foam sections 12, 14 define a longitudinal direction 32 allowing for longitudinally receiving a user's body. The first foam section 12 includes a first lateral groove 30 which extends along its upper surface 22 and a second lateral groove 34 which also extends along its upper surface 22. The second lateral groove 34 is distant from the first lateral groove 30 to define the upper body receiving area 16, the middle body receiving area 18 and the lower body receiving area 20. The first foam section 12 further includes an upper body area lateral channel 36 which extends from its lower surface 24 within the upper body receiving area 16, a middle body receiving area lateral channel 38 which extends from its lower surface 24 within the middle body receiving area 18 and a lower body receiving area lateral channel 40 which extends from its lower surface 24 within the lower body receiving area 20.

Still referring to FIGS. 1A, 2B, 2A and 2B, there is shown that the first lateral groove 30, the second lateral groove 34, the upper body area lateral channel 36, the middle body receiving area lateral channel 38 and the lower body receiving area lateral channel 40 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 32 defining the first foam section 12. Therefore, the lower surface 24 of the first foam section 12 interfaces with the upper surface 26 of the second foam section 14, allowing the upper body area lateral channel 36, the middle body receiving area lateral channel 38 and the lower body receiving area lateral channel 40 to provide tunnels 42 a, 42 b, 42 c between the first foam section 12 and the second foam section 14.

According to their configurations, the mattresses 10, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B, provide lowest pressures on the user's body and spinal alignment of the user's body in all sleeping positions (i.e., side lying body, back lying body and front lying body) as it will be explained in more details below. Moreover, according to their configurations, the mattresses 10 of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B provide pressures, for a side lying body, on the shoulder (which interfaces with the mattress 10 in the upper body receiving area 16 substantially above the upper body area lateral channel 36) and the hip (which interfaces with the mattress 10 in the middle body receiving area 18 substantially above the middle body receiving area lateral channel 38 and substantially between the first lateral groove 30 and the second lateral groove 34), of less than 0.6 psi.

Referring to FIG. 1B, there is shown that the upper and lower body receiving area lateral channels 36, 40, may be typically 1.5″ deep with a 5.5″ radius, thereby allowing the upper body receiving area 16 above the upper body area lateral channel 36 to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and alignment for the shoulder of the user's body. On the other hand, there is shown that the middle body receiving area lateral channel 38, may be typically 1.5″ deep with a 2″ radius, thereby allowing the middle body receiving area 18 above the middle body receiving area lateral channel 38 to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and alignment for the hip of the user's body. FIG. 1B shows that the first foam section 12 has a thickness of about 3.0″ (0.076 m). The upper, middle and lower body receiving area lateral channels 36, 38, 40 may define a substantially hemi-elliptical cross-section area (i.e., the hemi-elliptical cross-section area may include a circular arc, as shown in FIG. 1 B).

Now referring to FIG. 2B, there is shown that the upper and lower body receiving area lateral channels 36, 40, may be typically 2.0″ deep with a 5.5″ radius, thereby allowing the upper body receiving area 16 above the upper body area lateral channel 36 to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and alignment for the shoulder of the user's body. On the other hand, there is shown that the middle body receiving area lateral channel 38, may be typically 2.0″ deep with a 2″ radius, thereby allowing the middle body receiving area 18 above the middle body receiving area lateral channel 38 to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and alignment for the hip of the user's body. FIG. 2B shows that the first foam section 12 has a thickness of about 3.5″ (0.089 m). Both the first and second lateral grooves 30, 34 of the first foam section 12 of the mattresses 10 shown in FIGS. 1B and 2B are shown to include a first lateral edge 44 which is substantially vertical and a second lateral edge 46, which is at an angle of about 45 degrees from the first lateral edge 44. The upper, middle and lower body receiving area lateral channels 36, 38, 40 may define a substantially hemi-elliptical cross-section area (i.e., the hemi-elliptical cross-section area may include a circular arc, as shown in FIG. 2B).

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, there is shown a foam mattress 110 in accordance with another embodiment. The foam mattress 110 includes a first foam section 112 and a second foam section 114 for supporting the first foam section 112. The first foam section 112, together with the second foam section 114, defines a plurality of mattress areas. Still referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the mattress 110 also defines an upper body receiving area 116, a middle body receiving area 118 and a lower body receiving area 120. The first foam section 112 defines an upper surface 122 and a lower surface 124. The second foam section 114 also defines an upper surface 126 and a lower surface 128. The lower surface 124 of the first foam section 112 interfaces with the upper surface 126 of the second foam section 114. The first and second foam sections 112, 114 define a longitudinal direction 132 allowing for longitudinally receiving a user's body. The first foam section 112 includes a first lateral groove 130 which extends along its upper surface 122 and a second lateral groove 134 which also extends along its upper surface 122. The second lateral groove 134 is distant from the first lateral groove 130 to define the upper body receiving area 116, the middle body receiving area 118 and the lower body receiving area 120. The first foam section 112 further includes a plurality of upper body area lateral channels 136 which extend from its lower surface 124 within the upper body receiving area 116, a middle body receiving area lateral channel 138 which extends from its lower surface 124 within the middle body receiving area 118 and a plurality of lower body receiving area lateral channels 140 which extend from its lower surface 124 within the lower body receiving area 120. There is also shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B that the second foam section 114 further includes a plurality of corresponding upper body area lateral channels 137 which extend from its upper surface 126 substantially below the upper body receiving area 116, a corresponding middle body receiving area lateral channel 139 which extends from its upper surface 126 substantially below the middle body receiving area 118 and a plurality of corresponding lower body receiving area lateral channels 141 which extend from its upper surface 126 substantially below the lower body receiving area 120.

Still referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, there is shown that the first lateral groove 130, the second lateral groove 134, the plurality of upper body area lateral channels 136, the middle body receiving area lateral channel 138, the plurality of lower body receiving area lateral channels 140, the plurality of corresponding upper body area lateral channels 137, the corresponding middle body receiving area lateral channel 139, and the plurality of corresponding lower body receiving area lateral channels 141 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 132 defining the first foam section 112. Therefore, the lower surface 124 of the first foam section 112 interfaces with the upper surface 126 of the second foam section 114, allowing the plurality of upper body area lateral channels 136, the middle body receiving area lateral channel 138 and the plurality of lower body receiving area lateral channels 140 to provide tunnels 142 a, 142 b, 142 c, 142 d, 142 e, 142 f, 142 g between the first foam section 112 and the second foam section 114, when in alignment with the plurality corresponding upper body area lateral channels 137, the corresponding middle body receiving area lateral channel 139 and the plurality of corresponding lower body receiving area lateral channels 141.

Still referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, there is shown that the plurality of upper body area lateral channels 136, the middle body receiving area lateral channel 138, the plurality of lower body receiving area lateral channels 140, the plurality of corresponding upper body area lateral channels 137, the corresponding middle body receiving area lateral channel 139, and the plurality of corresponding lower body receiving area lateral channels 141 each define a substantially hemi-circular cross-section such as to define tunnels 142 a, 142 b, 142 c, 142 d, 142 e, 142 f, 142 g each defining a substantially circular cross-section.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, there is shown a foam mattress 210 in accordance with another embodiment. The foam mattress 210 includes a first foam section 212 and a second foam section 214 for supporting the first foam section 212. The first foam section 212, together with the second foam section 214, defines a plurality of mattress areas. Still referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the mattress 210 defines an upper body receiving area 216, a middle body receiving area 218 and a lower body receiving area 220. More particularly, there is shown that the mattress 210 defines a head receiving area 216 a, a shoulder receiving area 216 b, a torso receiving area 218 a, a pelvic receiving area 218 b, a trochanter receiving area 218 c and a leg receiving area 220 a. The first foam section 212 defines an upper surface 222 and a lower surface 224. The second foam section 214 also defines an upper surface 226 and a lower surface 228. The lower surface 224 of the first foam section 212 interfaces with the upper surface 226 of the second foam section 214. The first and second foam sections 212, 214 define a longitudinal direction 232 allowing for longitudinally receiving a user's body. The first foam section 212 includes a first lateral groove 230 which extends along its upper surface 222 and a second lateral groove 234 which also extends along its upper surface 222. The second lateral groove 234 is distant from the first lateral groove 230 to define the upper body receiving area 216, the middle body receiving area 218 and the lower body receiving area 220. The first foam section 212 further includes a third lateral groove 231 and a fourth lateral groove 235. The third lateral groove 231 separates the head receiving area 216 a from the shoulder receiving area 216 b. Inbetween the first and second lateral grooves 230, 234, the first foam section 212 further includes a plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 233 extending from its upper surface 222 in the middle body receiving area 218. The first foam section 212 further includes an upper body area lateral channel 236 which extends from its lower surface 224 within the upper body receiving area 216, and more particularly within the shoulder receiving area 216 b, and a lower body receiving area lateral channel 240 which extends from its lower surface 224 within the lower body receiving area 220.

Still referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, there is shown that the first lateral groove 230, the second lateral groove 234, the third lateral groove 231, the fourth lateral groove 235, the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 233, the upper body area lateral channel 236 and the lower body receiving area lateral channel 240 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 232 defining the first foam section 212. Therefore, the lower surface 224 of the first foam section 212 interfaces with the upper surface 226 of the second foam section 214, allowing the upper body area lateral channel 236, and the lower body receiving area lateral channel 240 to provide tunnels 242 a, 242 b between the first foam section 212 and the second foam section 214.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, there is shown a foam mattress 310 in accordance with another embodiment. The foam mattress 310 includes a first foam section 312 and a second foam section 314 for supporting the first foam section 312. The first foam section 312, together with the second foam section 314, defines a plurality of mattress areas. Still referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the mattress 310 defines an upper body receiving area 316, a middle body receiving area 318 and a lower body receiving area 320. More particularly, there is shown that the mattress 310 defines a head receiving area 316 a, a shoulder receiving area 316 b, a torso receiving area 318 a, a pelvic receiving area 318 b, a trochanter receiving area 318 c and a leg receiving area 320 a. The first foam section 312 defines an upper surface 322 and a lower surface 324. The second foam section 314 also defines an upper surface 326 and a lower surface 328. The lower surface 324 of the first foam section 312 interfaces with the upper surface 326 of the second foam section 314. The first and second foam sections 312, 314 define a longitudinal direction 332 allowing for longitudinally receiving a user's body. The first foam section 312 includes a first lateral groove 330 which extends along its upper surface 322 and a second lateral groove 334 which also extends along its upper surface 322. The second lateral groove 334 is distant from the first lateral groove 330 to define the upper body receiving area 316, the middle body receiving area 318 and the lower body receiving area 320. The first foam section 312 further includes a third lateral groove 331 and a fourth lateral groove 335. The third lateral groove 331 separates the head receiving area 316 a from the shoulder receiving area 316 b. Inbetween the first and second lateral grooves 330, 334, the first foam section 312 further includes a plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 333 extending from its upper surface 322 in the middle body receiving area 318. The first foam section 212 further includes an upper body area lateral channel 336 which extends from its lower surface 324 within the upper body receiving area 316 and more particularly within the shoulder receiving area 316 b, a middle body receiving area lateral channel 338 between its upper surface 322 and its lower surface 324 within the middle body receiving area 318 (and substantially in between the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 333), and a lower body receiving area lateral channel 340 which extends from its lower surface 324 within the lower body receiving area 320.

Therefore, the mattress 310 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is identical to the mattress 210 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, with the exception of the trochanter receiving area 318 c. In this embodiment (FIGS. 5A and 5B), a portion of the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 233 of the trochanter area 218 c are replaced by a middle body receiving area lateral channel 338, which provides a corresponding pressure relief in the trochanter receiving area 318 c.

Still referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, there is shown that the first lateral groove 330, the second lateral groove 334, the third lateral groove 331, the fourth lateral groove 335, the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 333, the upper body area lateral channel 336, the middle body receiving area lateral channel 338 and the lower body receiving area lateral channel 340 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 332 defining the first foam section 312. Therefore, the lower surface 324 of the first foam section 312 interfaces with the upper surface 326 of the second foam section 314, allowing the upper body area lateral channel 336, and the lower body receiving area lateral channel 340 to provide tunnels 342 a, 342 b between the first foam section 312 and the second foam section 314.

Still referring to the drawings and according to another embodiment, there is shown that the mattress 210 of FIGS. 6A and 6B is similar in configuration to the mattress 210 of FIG. 4A and 4B. The mattress 210 of FIGS. 6A and 6B does not require the presence of the second foam section 214 and compared to the mattress 210 of FIGS. 4A and 4B is not reversible. Indeed, the mattress 210 of FIGS. 6A and 6B only includes the first and third lateral grooves 230, 231, a portion of the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 233 and the upper body area lateral channel 236.

According to their configurations, both the mattresses 210, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 6A and 6B, provide lowest pressures on the user's body and spinal alignment of the user's body in all sleeping positions (i.e., side lying body, back lying body and front lying body). Moreover, according to their configurations, the mattresses 210 of FIGS. 4A, 4B, 6A and 6B provide pressures, for a side lying body, on the shoulder (which interfaces with the mattresses 210 in the upper body receiving area 216 substantially above the upper body area lateral channel 236) and the hip (which interfaces with the mattresses 210 in the middle body receiving area 218 substantially above the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 233), of less than 0.6 psi.

Still referring to the drawings and according to another embodiment, there is shown that the mattress 310 of FIGS. 7A and 7B is similar in configuration to the mattress 310 of FIG. 5A and 5B. The mattress 310 of FIGS. 7A and 7B does not require the presence of the second foam section 314 and compared to the mattress 310 of FIGS. 5A and 5B is not reversible. Indeed, the mattress 310 of FIGS. 7A and 7B only includes the first and third lateral grooves 330, 331, a portion of the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 233, the upper body area lateral channel 336 and the middle body receiving area lateral channel 338.

Therefore, the mattress 310 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B is identical to the mattress 210 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, with the exception of the trochanter receiving area 318 c. In this embodiment, a portion of the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 233 (or slots) of the trochanter receiving area 218 are replaced by a middle body receiving area lateral channel (or tunnel) 338, which provides a corresponding pressure relief in trochanter receiving area 318.

According to their configurations, both the mattresses 310, as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 7A and 7B, provide lowest pressures on the user's body and spinal alignment of the user's body in all sleeping positions (i.e., side lying body, back lying body and front lying body). Moreover, according to their configurations, the mattresses 310 of FIGS. 5A, 5B, 7A and 7B provide pressures, for a side lying body, on the shoulder (which interfaces with the mattresses 310 in the upper body receiving area 316 substantially above the upper body area lateral channel 336) and the hip (which interfaces with the mattresses 310 in the middle body receiving area 318 substantially above the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 333 and the middle body receiving area lateral channel 338), of less than 0.6 psi.

Still referring to the drawings and according to another embodiment, there is shown that the mattress 210 of FIG. 8A is equivalent to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B and is similar in configuration to the mattress 210 shown in FIG. 8B. Indeed, the mattress 210 of FIG. 8B does not require the presence of the second foam section 214 as the first foam section 212 shown in FIG. 8B is thicker than the first foam section 212 shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 8A.

Still referring to the drawings and according to another embodiment, there is shown that the mattress 310 of FIG. 9A is equivalent to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B and is similar in configuration to the mattress 310 shown in FIG. 9B. Indeed, the mattress 310 of FIG. 8B does not require the presence of the second foam section 314 as the first foam section 312 shown in FIG. 9B is thicker than the first foam section 312 shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 9A.

However, it is important to be mentioned that all configurations (FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B), provide pressures, for a side lying body, on the shoulder and the hip of less than 0.6 psi.

Still referring to the drawings and according to another embodiment, there is shown that the mattress 210 of FIG. 10A is equivalent to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B and is similar in configuration to the mattress 210 shown in FIG. 10B. Indeed, the mattress 210 of FIG. 10B does not require the presence of the second foam section 214 as the first foam section 212 shown in FIG. 10B is thicker than the first foam section 212 shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 10A.

Still referring to the drawings and according to another embodiment, there is shown that the mattress 310 of FIG. 11A is equivalent to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B and is similar in configuration to the mattress 310 shown in FIG. 11B. Indeed, the mattress 310 of FIG. 11 B does not require the presence of the second foam section 314 as the first foam section 312 shown in FIG. 11B is thicker than the first foam section 312 shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 11A.

However, it is important to be mentioned that all configurations (FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 10A, 10 ft 11A and 11 B), provide pressures, for a side lying body, on the shoulder and the hip of less than 0.6 psi.

As shown in FIG. 12A, a spherical mass M is placed onto a contiguous piece of foam (sample) to show how the horizontal tensile restriction of a foam sample reduces the contact area of the spherical mass M, thereby increasing the unit area pressure on the spherical mass M. X shows the contact diameter between the spherical mass M and the foam (sample).

On the other hand, FIG. 12B shows a spherical mass M placed onto a first foam section as described above (which may be compared to first foam section 12, 112, 212, 312) to show how adjacent lateral grooves (30, 34, 130, 134, 230, 234, 231, 233, 235, 330, 334, 331, 333, 335) eliminate the tensile forces of a first foam section (12, 112, 212, 312), increasing the contact area of the spherical mass M, thereby reducing the unit area pressure on the spherical mass M. Y shows the contact diameter between the spherical mass M and the first foam section, where Y is larger than X (FIG. 12A).

FIG. 13A illustrates a spherical mass M placed onto the mattress 210 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8B. The spherical mass M is shown to be placed on upper body receiving area 216, and more particularly on the shoulder receiving area 216 b, to show the displacement of the first foam section 212 of the mattress 210 under the load provided by the spherical mass M on the upper body area lateral channel 236 and inbetween the first and the third lateral grooves 230, 231.

On the other hand, FIG. 13B illustrates a user's body placed onto the mattress 210 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8B. The shoulder of the user's body (which may be compared with the spherical mass M shown in FIG. 13A discussed above) is shown to be placed on upper body receiving area 216, and more particularly on the shoulder receiving area 216 b, to show the displacement of the first foam section 212 of the mattress 210 under the load provided by the shoulder of the user's body on the upper body area lateral channel 236 and inbetween the first and the third lateral grooves 230, 231.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C, FIG. 14C illustrates a user's body placed onto the mattress 210 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A and 4B. The shoulder of the user's body (which may be compared with the spherical mass M shown in FIG. 13A discussed above) is shown to be placed on upper body receiving area 216, and more particularly on the shoulder receiving area 216 b, to show the displacement of the first foam section 212 of the mattress 210 under the load provided by the shoulder of the user's body on the upper body area lateral channel 236 and inbetween the first and the third lateral grooves 230, 231.

Referring now to FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C, FIG. 15C illustrates a user's body placed onto the mattress 310 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A and 7B. Again, the shoulder of the user's body (which may be compared with the spherical mass M shown in FIG. 13A discussed above) is shown to be placed on upper body receiving area 316, and more particularly on the shoulder receiving area 316 b, to show the displacement of the first foam section 312 of the mattress 310 under the load provided by the shoulder of the user's body on the upper body area lateral channel 336 and inbetween the first and the third lateral grooves 330, 331. FIG. 15C further illustrates the displacement of the first foam section 312 of the mattress 310 under the load provided by the hip of the user's body on the middle body receiving area lateral channel 338 and adjacent the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves 333.

In FIG. 16A, the mattress 210 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is illustrated with a side lying user's body on its upper surface 222. The deep displacement of the first foam layer 212 under the shoulder of the user's body into the upper body area lateral channel 236 is the result of an important shoulder load on a relatively small surface area (above the upper body area lateral channel 236 and inbetween the first and third lateral grooves 230, 231). According to this particular configuration, if the first and third lateral grooves 230, 231 were absent, the tensile forces of the foam would severely restrict the downward displacement of the supporting foam into the upper body area lateral channel 236, thereby resulting in a greater unit area pressure on the shoulder of the user's body. This increased shoulder pressure would disturb sleep. Additionally, the shallower displacement caused by the absence of first and third lateral grooves 230, 231 would elevate the shoulder to the point of spinal misalignment, a second cause of sleep disturbance.

In FIG. 16B, the mattress 210 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is illustrated with a back lying user's body on its upper surface 222. The shallow displacement of the first foam layer 212 under the shoulder of the user's body into the upper body area lateral channel 236 is the result of an important shoulder load on a relatively large area. This keeps the shoulders elevated for correct spinal alignment with low pressure. The first and third lateral grooves 230, 231, combined with the upper body area lateral channel 236 provides both the required spinal alignment and the ultra-low pressures for any sleeping position.

Referring to Figs, 16A and 16B, it is to be noted that even if the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B requires the presence of the first and third lateral grooves 230, 231 to displace the first foam section 212 within the upper body area lateral channel 236, other embodiments can surely result in controlling the whole body alignment (i.e., spinal alignment) while providing ultra-low body interface pressures for each body area. Therefore, the other configurations shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B and 11B, would also allow displacement of the first foam section under the shoulder and/or the hip of the user's body (back lying or side lying on the mattress) into the upper body area lateral channel or into the plurality of upper body area lateral channels (FIGS. 3A and 3B) and/or the middle body receiving area lateral channel (with our without lateral grooves on each side of the upper body area lateral channel, the plurality of upper body area lateral channels or the middle body receiving area lateral channel), thereby providing both the required spinal alignment and the ultra-low pressures for any sleeping position.

Referring now to FIG. 17, there is shown a foam mattress 410 in accordance with another embodiment. The foam mattress 410 includes a first foam section 412 and a second foam section 414 for supporting the first foam section 412. The first foam section 412, together with the second foam section 414, defines a plurality of mattress areas. Still referring to FIG. 17, the mattress 410 defines an upper body receiving area 416, a middle body receiving area 418 and a lower body receiving area 420. The first foam section 412 defines an upper surface 422 and a lower surface 424. The second foam section 414 also defines an upper surface 426 and a lower surface 428. The lower surface 424 of the first foam section 412 interfaces with the upper surface 426 of the second foam section 414. The first and second foam sections 412, 414 define a longitudinal direction 432 allowing for longitudinally receiving a user's body. The first foam section 412 includes a first lateral groove 430 which extends along its upper surface 422 and a second lateral groove 434 which also extends along its upper surface 422. The second lateral groove 434 is distant from the first lateral groove 430 to define the upper body receiving area 416, the middle body receiving area 418 and the lower body receiving area 420. The first foam section 412 further includes first intermediate lateral grooves 433 a, 433 b which both extend along its upper surface 422 within the upper body receiving area 416 as well as second intermediate lateral grooves 433 c, 433 d which both extend along its upper surface 422 within the lower body receiving area 420. The first foam section 412 further includes an upper body area lateral channel 436 which extends from its lower surface 424 within the upper body receiving area 416, a middle body receiving area lateral channel or tunnel 438 between its upper surface 422 and its lower surface 424 within the middle body receiving area 418 and a lower body receiving area lateral channel 440 which extends from its lower surface 424 within the lower body receiving area 420.

Still referring to FIG. 17, there is shown that the first lateral groove 430, the second lateral groove 434, the first and second intermediate lateral grooves 433 a, 433 b, 433 c, 433 d, the upper body area lateral channel 436, the middle body receiving area lateral channel or tunnel 438 and the lower body receiving area lateral channel 440 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 432 defining the first foam section 412. Therefore, the lower surface 424 of the first foam section 412 interfaces with the upper surface 426 of the second foam section 414, allowing the upper body area lateral channel 436, and the lower body receiving area lateral channel 440 to provide tunnels 442 a, 442 b between the first foam section 412 and the second foam section 414.

According to its configuration, the mattress 410, as shown in FIG. 17, provides lowest pressures on the user's body and spinal alignment of the user's body in all sleeping positions (i.e., side lying body, back lying body and front lying body) as described in more details above. Moreover, according to its configuration, the mattress 410 of FIG. 17 provides pressures, for a side lying body, on the shoulder (which interfaces with the mattress 410 in the upper body receiving area 416 substantially above the upper body area lateral channel 436 and inbetween the first intermediate lateral grooves 433 a, 433 b) and the hip (which interfaces with the mattress 410 in the middle body receiving area 418 substantially above the middle body receiving area lateral channel or tunnel 438 and substantially between the first lateral groove 430 and the second lateral groove 430), of less than 0.6 psi.

According to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B, 11B and 17, the mattress, which is formed with the first foam section, but alternatively with the second foam section, may be CNC contour cut to create the head receiving area, which may be typically about 9″ to 11-¼″ in the head to foot (longitudinal) dimension depending on mattress length, the shoulder receiving area, which may be typically about 11″ in the head to foot (longitudinal) dimension, the torso receiving area, which may be typically about 9-½″ in the head to foot (longitudinal) dimension, the pelvic area, which may be typically about 5-½″ in the head to foot (longitudinal) dimension, the trochanter receiving area, which may be typically about 5″ in the head to foot (longitudinal) dimension and the leg area. Still referring to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B, 11B and 17, the upper and/or lower body receiving area lateral channel, may be typically 3″ deep with a 5″ radius, thereby allowing the upper body receiving area (or more particularly the shoulder receiving area) above the upper body area lateral channel to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and alignment for the shoulder of the user's body.

Still referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B 11B and 17, the one or more lateral grooves provide a tuned displacement control to balance and optimize pressure reduction with spinal alignment. For example, when side lying, the first and third lateral grooves in the shoulder area, may be typically about 3″ deep, thereby allowing significant displacement of the shoulder into the mattress. The plurality of intermediate lateral grooves in the pelvic area, may be typically about 1″ deep, thereby allowing a slight drop of the pelvis to reduce or eliminate spinal shear in the lumbar region of the user's body. The deeper lateral grooves (or slots) in the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves in the trochanter receiving area may be typically about 1-½″ deep, thereby further reducing pressure on the greater trochanter of the user's body, a known point of origin of tossing and turning due to high prominence pressure.

When back lying, the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves (or slots) of the pelvic receiving area and of the trochanter receiving area allow the buttocks to displace slightly into the mattress. This provides lumbar support, which is absent on conventional mattresses configurations. Additionally, the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves (or slots) of the pelvic receiving area and of the trochanter receiving area are redistributing some of the pressure from those areas to the torso receiving area and the leg receiving area, which are more pressure-tolerant. In effect, this pressure redistribution helps equalize pressures over the whole body length. This effect is common to all embodiments described above.

According to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B and 17, it is to be mentioned that the thickness of the first foam layer may be, without limitation, between about 2″ (0.051 m) to about 15″ (0.381 m), between its upper surface and its lower surface.

Moreover, it is to be mentioned that the depth of the lateral grooves and or of the plurality of intermediate lateral grooves determines the degree of the tensile release. The width of these lateral grooves, subtracted from the original area, reduces the foam resistance under load, proportionately. Controlling the width and depth of the lateral grooves (or slots) in combination with distance between slots, allows control of the displacement for each body area. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B, 11B and 17, the slot width has been made consistent, typically about ½″. The displacements for lowest pressures/best alignment for each body area may be controlled by slot depth only, with the exception of the shoulder receiving area, which for sure requires an upper body area lateral channel (or tunnel) for greater displacement. The groove/slot width/depth and channel/tunnel dimensions can be selectively modified to provide a flatter or a more contoured feel to the mattress.

According to the different configurations of mattresses described above, it is the upper body area lateral channel(s) that allows the upper body receiving area within the first foam section and above the upper body area lateral channel(s) to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and alignment for the shoulder of the user's body. According to other embodiment, one or more lateral groove(s) provides a tuned displacement control to balance and optimize pressure reduction with spinal alignment.

According to the configurations of mattresses 10, 110, 210, 310 described above, it is shown that the structural contour-cut modifications (i.e., the presence in the first foam section of first, second, third and/or fourth lateral grooves, as well as the presence of upper body area lateral channel(s) and/or middle body receiving area lateral channel) create a proper body alignment in any sleeping position, while redistributing and/or reducing sleep-disturbing body pressures in a single block of foam (first foam section). The mattresses 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 therefore look flat when unoccupied, but feel contoured when occupied by the user's body.

It is to be mentioned that the mattress embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 8B, 9B and 17 are symmetrical, from head to foot, or from the upper body receiving area to the lower body receiving area, and can be rotated 180 degrees on its vertical axis (which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first foam section) so that the foot end (or the lower body receiving area) becomes the head end (or the upper body receiving area). This bi-directionality reduces the probability of mis-orientation upon installation of the mattress where it belongs.

On the other hand, it is to be mentioned that the mattress embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 10B and 11B are unidirectional, requiring installation in the correct orientation.

The mattresses according to the different embodiment described above provide a unique variable displacement design which lets each region of the body displace into the first foam section to the correct depth to maintain spinal alignment while simultaneously reducing and equalizing pressures along the body's length. This ultra-low equalized pressure virtually eliminates the pressure-induced sleep disturbance caused by the conventional mattresses of the prior art.

According to another embodiment, and referring now to FIGS. 18A and 18B, there is shown a thin mattress 510 or a topper 510 that may be installed on an existing conventional mattress (not shown) or substrate. The thin mattress or topper will be referred to as mattress 510 in the present description. The mattress 510 includes a foam section 512 for positioning on an existing conventional mattress (not shown). The foam section 512 defines a plurality of mattress areas. Still referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, the mattress 510 defines an upper body receiving area 516, a middle body receiving area 518 and a lower body receiving area 520. The foam section 512 defines an upper surface 522 and a lower surface 524. The lower surface 524 of the foam section 512 interfaces with the upper surface of an existing conventional mattress or any other suitable substrate. Foam section 512 defines a longitudinal direction 532 allowing for longitudinally receiving a user's body. The foam section 512 includes a first lateral groove 530 which extends along its upper surface 522 and a second lateral groove 534 which also extends along its upper surface 522. The second lateral groove 534 is distant from the first lateral groove 530 to define the upper body receiving area 516, the middle body receiving area 518 and the lower body receiving area 520. The foam section 512 further includes an upper body area lateral channel 536 which extends from its lower surface 524 within the upper body receiving area 516, a middle body receiving area lateral channel 538 which extends from its lower surface 524 within the middle body receiving area 518 and a lower body receiving area lateral channel 540 which extends from its lower surface 524 within the lower body receiving area 520.

Still referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, there is shown that the first lateral groove 530, the second lateral groove 534, the upper body area lateral channel 536, the middle body receiving area lateral channel 538 and the lower body receiving area lateral channel 540 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 532 defining the first foam section 512. Therefore, the lower surface 524 of the foam section 512 interfaces with the upper surface of the conventional existing mattress or substrate (not shown), allowing the upper body area lateral channel 536, the middle body receiving area lateral channel 538 and the lower body receiving area lateral channel 540 to provide tunnels 542 a, 542 b, 542 c between the foam section 512 and the conventional existing mattress or suitable substrate.

According to its configuration, the mattress 510, as shown in FIGS.

18A and 18B, provides lowest pressures on the user's body and spinal alignment of the user's body in all sleeping positions (i.e., side lying body, back lying body and front lying body) as explained above. Moreover, according to its configuration, the mattress 510 of FIGS. 18A and 18B provides pressures, for a side lying body, on the shoulder (which interfaces with the mattress 510 in the upper body receiving area 516 substantially above the upper body area lateral channel 536) and the hip (which interfaces with the mattress 510 in the middle body receiving area 518 substantially above the middle body receiving area lateral channel 538 and substantially between the first lateral groove 530 and the second lateral groove 534), of less than 0.6 psi. There is shown that the upper and lower body receiving area lateral channels 536, 540, may be typically 1.5″ deep with a 5.5″ radius, thereby allowing the upper body receiving area (or more particularly the shoulder receiving area) above the upper body area lateral channel 536 to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and alignment for the shoulder of the user's body. On the other hand, there is shown that the middle body receiving area lateral channel 538, may be typically 1.5″ deep with a 2″ radius, thereby allowing the middle body receiving area 518 above the middle body receiving area lateral channel 538 to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and alignment for the hip of the user's body. FIG. 18B shows that the foam section 512 has a thickness of about 3.0″ (0.076 m).

It is to be mentioned that the topper 510 or mattress 510 described above may take any configuration of the mattress embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8B, 9B, 10B, 11B and 17 such as to concurrently provide and optimize both spinal alignment and ultra-low pressures over the whole user's body.

According to another embodiment (not shown), there is provided a method for manufacturing a mattress that provides both, body alignment (i.e., spinal alignment) and ultra-low body interface pressures for each body area. The method includes modifying the first foam section by removing specific portions of the first foam section (i.e., the upper/middle and/or lower body receiving area lateral channels and the lateral grooves) to form a mattress with specific displacement characteristics for specific body areas to concurrently provide and optimize both spinal alignment and ultra-low pressures over the whole user's body.

The mattress, which is formed with the first foam section, and alternatively with the second foam section, may be CNC contour cut to create the body receiving areas.

FIG. 19 compares pressures applied on a 210 pounds man side lying on conventional mattresses with the 210 pounds man side lying on the mattresses as described above. These pressure maps show the 210 pounds man side lying on various high-end (about $3,000) name brand mattresses. The left most colors of the horizontal bar shown in FIG. 19 show low pressures, while the right most colors of the horizontal bar shown in FIG. 19 show sleep-disturbing pressures. FIG. 19 shows the pressure map of the mattress of the present invention (i.e., Pressure Perfect ultra-low pressure mattress) with no rightmost color. Therefore, the mattresses of the present invention are the only consumer mattresses known to have the ultra-low pressure capable of preventing sleep disturbance caused by pressure.

FIG. 20 compares side lying pressure maps of a mattress of the prior art and the mattresses of the present invention. The lower most colors of the bar shown in FIG. 20 show low pressures, while the upper most colors of the vertical bar shown in FIG. 20 show sleep-disturbing pressures. FIG. 20 shows the pressure map of the mattress of the present invention (i.e., Pressure Perfect) with no upper most color. Therefore, the mattresses of the present invention are the only consumer mattresses known to have the ultra-low pressure capable of preventing sleep disturbance caused by pressure.

FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C, 22A, 22B, 23A, 23B and 24 illustrate foam toppers in accordance with different embodiments. As shown, the foam mattress of FIGS. 21A, 21B and 21C defines two lateral grooves and a plurality of lateral channels. The foam topper of FIGS. 22A and 22B also defines two lateral grooves and a plurality of lateral channels or tunnels. The foam topper of FIGS. 23A and 23B also defines two lateral grooves and a plurality of lateral channels or tunnels. FIG. 24 illustrates another embodiment of a foam topper. The foam topper of FIG. 24 includes two lateral grooves (which are defined by the two single dotted lines), as well as a plurality of multiple dotted lines (which perform the role or the lateral channels or tunnels described in the other embodiments). According to their configurations, the foam toppers of FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C, 22A, 22B, 23A, 23B and 24 provide pressures, for a side lying body, on the shoulder (which interfaces with the foam topper in the upper body receiving area substantially above lateral channels (or multiple dotted lines) and the hip (which interfaces with the foam topper in the middle body receiving area substantially above the other lateral channel(s)), of less than 0.6 psi.

While preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from this disclosure. Such modifications are considered as possible variants comprised in the scope of the disclosure. 

1. A foam mattress to control a whole body alignment, the foam mattress comprising: a first foam section defining an upper surface, a lower surface, a longitudinal direction allowing for longitudinally receiving a user's body, and a plurality of mattress areas comprising: an upper body receiving area for supporting user's upper body and shoulders; a lower body receiving area for supporting user's lower body; and a middle body receiving area for supporting a user's hip; and a first lateral channel within the upper body receiving area and extending in a lateral direction normal to the longitudinal direction of the mattress, the first lateral channel thereby allowing the upper body receiving area above the first lateral channel to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and alignment for the shoulder of the user's body.
 2. The foam mattress of claim 1, further comprising a second lateral channel within the middle body receiving area between the upper surface and the lower surface of the first foam section, and extending in the lateral direction normal to the longitudinal direction of the mattress, the second lateral channel thereby allowing the middle body receiving area above the second lateral channel to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and alignment for the hip of the user's body.
 3. The foam mattress of claim 1, further comprising a third lateral channel within the lower body receiving area defined in the first foam section and located between the upper surface and the lower surface of the first foam section, and extending in the lateral direction normal to the longitudinal direction of the mattress, the third lateral channel thereby allowing the lower body receiving area above the third lateral channel to displace downward to provide pressure reduction and alignment for the user's lower body.
 4. The foam mattress of claim 3, wherein the first foam section is symmetrical from the upper body receiving area to the lower body receiving area.
 5. The foam mattress of claim 1, further comprising: a pair of intermediate lateral grooves extending downward from the upper surface of the foam section within the upper body receiving area, one intermediate lateral grooves being before and adjacent to the first lateral channel and the other one being after and adjacent the first lateral channel, the intermediate lateral grooves interacting with the first lateral channel so as to assist pressure reduction and alignment for the shoulder of the user's body.
 6. The foam mattress of claim 3, further comprising: a pair of intermediate lateral grooves extending downward from the upper surface of the foam section within the lower body receiving area, one intermediate lateral grooves being before and adjacent to the third lateral channel and the other one being after and adjacent the third lateral channel, intermediate lateral grooves interacting with the third lateral channel so as to assist pressure reduction and alignment for the user's lower body.
 7. The foam mattress of claim 1, further comprising a second foam section for supporting the first foam section, the second foam section defining an upper surface for interfacing with the lower surface of the first foam section.
 8. The foam mattress of claim 1, wherein the upper body receiving area comprises a plurality of first lateral channels parallel one to the other and wherein the lower body receiving area lateral channel comprises a plurality of adjacent lower body receiving area lateral channels.
 9. The foam mattress of claim 1, further comprising two lateral grooves extending from the upper surface of the first foam section, wherein one lateral groove delimits the upper and middle body receiving areas, whereas the second lateral groove delimits the middle and lower body receiving areas, each lateral groove being defined by a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge at an angle from the first lateral edge.
 10. The foam mattress of claim 9, wherein the second lateral edge is at an angle of about 45 degrees from the first lateral edge.
 11. The foam mattress of claim 3, wherein each one of the first lateral channel and the second lateral channels defines a substantially hemi-elliptical cross-section area.
 12. The foam mattress of claim 11, wherein the substantially hemi-elliptical has a cross-section area of between about 0.0381 m and about 0.051 m deep; and has a radius of about 0.140 m.
 13. The foam mattress of claim 3, wherein each one of the first lateral channel and the lower body receiving area lateral channels defines a substantially hemi-circular cross-section area.
 14. The foam mattress of claim 2, wherein the second lateral channel defines a substantially hemi-elliptical cross-section area.
 15. The foam mattress of claim 14, wherein the substantially hemi-elliptical cross-section area is between about 0.0381 m to about 0.051 m deep.
 16. The foam mattress of claim 15, wherein the substantially hemi-elliptical cross-section area comprises a radius of about 0.051 m.
 17. The foam mattress of claim 2, wherein the second lateral channel defines a substantially hemi-circular cross-section area.
 18. The foam mattress of claim 1, wherein the first foam section has a thickness of about 0.051 m to about 0.381 m.
 19. The foam mattress of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of adjacent intermediate lateral grooves extending from the upper surface of the first foam section between the two lateral grooves.
 20. The foam mattress of claim 1, wherein the middle body receiving area for supporting the hip comprises a trochanter receiving area for supporting a trochanter, the first lateral channel being within the trochanter receiving area between the upper surface and the lower surface of the first foam section. 